Syracuse, NY -- Curves International, a multinational health club franchise, has agreed to refund New Yorkers with prepaid memberships who lost money when clubs across the state, including six in Oneida and Oswego counties abruptly closed.

In a settlement announced by state Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman Tuesday, the franchise agreed to set up a restitution fund and pay up to $100,000 to people who lost money when the clubs closed in 2009. The fund will be overseen by the Better Business Bureau.

Two Curves locations in Oneida County and four in Oswego County were among those that did not repay prepaid memberships when the clubs closed, according to the state attorney general's office.

Curves also agreed to pay $60,000 to the state for the costs of its investigation.

In 2009, 60 Curves health clubs across the state went out of business and did not provide refunds to members holding prepaid memberships.

The attorney general's office launched an investigation following complaints that a Suffolk County Curves franchise closed its doors without notice, failed to secure a bond as required by law, and refused to provide refunds.

Consumers sought refunds from Curves International, which also refused refunds and denied any responsibility for the independently-owned clubs, the attorney general’s office said.

Under New York law, contracts between a franchised health club are also enforced against the company.

“If you do business in New York, then you have to play by the rules. Curves International—like any franchisor operating in the state— must refund the customers who prepaid for memberships they ultimately could not use,” Schneiderman said.

People who believe they are entitled to a refund from Curves International should contact the Better Business Bureau at 212-358-2857.

Anyone who would like to file a complaint with the attorney general about a similar experience with a different business should call the Attorney General’s Consumer Helpline at 800-771-7755.